We all have seen and heard many images and stories about the Gulf oil crisis and, sadly, the worst is yet to come as the toxic sludge creeps towards US shorelines and global currents. Obviously there are tons of links, articles and videos online but here are some key sites and phone #s that may be helpful for officials, responders and citizens impacted by this crisis.
Deepwater Horizon Response: Official Site of Deepwater Horizon Unified Command (has links on right side of screen to Report Incidents, File a claim, Volunteer, report Oiled wildlife and send Suggestions)
GeoPlatform.gov is a new online tool developed by NOAA with the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard, and Dept of Interior. Site integrates near real-time data about oil spill’s trajectory with fishery area closures, wildlife data and place-based Gulf Coast resources — such as pinpointed locations of oiled shoreline and current positions of deployed research ships — into one customizable interactive map. http://www.geoplatform.gov/gulfresponse/

Important phone #s from NOAA and DHR:

To report oil on land, or for general community info: 866-448-5816

To report oiled or injured wildlife: 866-557-1401

To learn about volunteer opportunities: 866-448-5816

To discuss spill related damage claims: 800-440-0858

Vessel of Opportunity Program: 281-366-5511 (anyone with shrimp boats, oyster boats and other vessels for hire to deploy boom in the Gulf)

Traycee Biancamano, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. First Responders Association recently invited Janet Liebsch to administer a new group and page focusing on Disaster Preparedness on USFRA.org.

The Citizen Guide to Disaster Preparedness group has tips and discussions on helping members to prepare for the unexpected. And the Civilian Disaster Preparedness Links page has resources for civilians, volunteer responders and officials. Both the group and Links pages will be updated often with new discussions and videos.The United States First Responders Association is a non-profit network of firefighters, EMS, rescue, police officers, military and civilian support teams. The purpose of the USFRA advances the profession of fire, emergency, police and military services through proactive community leadership, education, advocacy, policy, procedure, and guidelines that would best help our emergency services provide aid to the citizens of the United States and worldwide. It also forms a closer bond of fellowship between its members with our focus primarily on: Training, Tactics, Safety, Education and Community Outreach.

Officials and civilians are encouraged to join, create a free profile and invite your friends. For more information, visit www.usfra.org

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USE UP THOSE YEAR-END DOLLARS

A great way to clean out year-end and grant dollars is to purchase IT’S A DISASTER! books for staff, volunteers and local citizens. We can individually receipt various buckets to commit the funds so groups won’t be required to return any unused dollars. Plus it provides a minimum $4-to-$1 match … and we customize books (or CDs) at no additional charge. To learn more call 1-888-999-4325 or click here

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COOL CRITTERS / SIGHTS

According to the FDA and the National Institutes of Health, about 8,000 people in the U.S. are treated for poisonous snakebites each year. Poisonous snakes have triangular heads, slit-like pupils, and two long fangs, which make puncture wounds at end of each row of teeth. Non-poisonous snake bites leave two rows of teeth marks but no puncture wounds, but don’t use bite mark to determine type since swelling may hide wounds.

--If possible, try to identify type or color of snake but don’t put yourself in danger!-- Wash bite wound with soap and water.-- Keep bitten body part below heart level, if possible.-- Call emergency number or animal control, if necessary.
If bite is from a Poisonous snake, also do this…
-- Remove constrictive items (like rings or watches) since swelling may occur.-- DO NOT apply tourniquet or ice.-- Monitor breathing and make sure airway is open.-- Keep victim still to slow down circulation of venom.-- DO NOT let victim eat or drink anything or take medication since it could interfere with emergency treatment.-- If possible and safe, remove venom - esp. if help is hours away. (Most snakebite kits have proper venom extractors in them.) -- DO NOT use "cut and suck" method!-- Get to a doctor or hospital to receive antivenin.

The worst effects may not be felt for hours after a bite from most poisonous North American snakes, but it is best if antivenin is given as quickly as possible (or at least within 12-24 hours of the bite).

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WEB STUFF

Fundraising ideas:Volunteers, schools, youth groups, civic clubs, faith-based organizations, nonprofits and bloggers can earn 10% - 100% profits to help fund your efforts!Learn moreRed Book Tour:Chasing4Life trainers are presenting special preparedness programs across the country and helping communities acquire IT’S A DISASTER! books for entire populations.Read moreRubyWATCH:This web-based database reporting system is being provided free of charge by the Homeland Security Foundation of America (HSFA) to all government agencies and officials, state licensed private detectives and security agencies, and other HSFA authorized users. Learn more

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~DID YOU KNOW...
...in recent hearings on Capitol Hill top oil and gas representatives admitted .. over 3 years they spent "$39bn to explore for new oil and gas. Yet, the average investment in research and development forsafety, accident prevention and spill response was a paltry $20m a year." Source: The Guardian
...Speaking at the Center for National Policy, Tim Manning of FEMA said … but what’s most concerning is that when you actually deconstruct that number and you ask, "have you actually done this, have you done this, have you done this," the things that we mean when we say "are you prepared," the number’s actually in the 30s. ... Most people, as like 67% of respondents, say that they won’t take any actions and they plan on relying on government in the first couple of days.Source: In Case of Emergency, Read Blog
…drug cartels are making direct death threatstoU.S. law enforcement officials in Nogales, Arizona?! Source: NTARC

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COOL LINKS / IDEAS
The Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center has put together the "8 signs of Terrorism" video series to highlight behavior that should concern you and tell you when to call the police. (10 videos / about 20 minutes total) http://www.azdohs.gov/8signs.asp

University of California-Homeowner’s Wildfire Mitigation site is organized to give you an opportunity to make changes to your home and the surroundings to reduce the possibility of damage from wildfires. Some of the changes can be done very quickly and relatively inexpensively. Others may require more effort, expense, and, in some cases, professional help. http://ucanr.edu/sites/Wildfire/
A new wiki called WhatApp? lets you post reviews of privacy killing, vulnerability riddled apps used on browsers, mobile devices, social networking, etc. The site is not reviewing how cool or fun these apps are … it is reviewing how private, secure, and open apps are. https://whatapp.org/
Got a cool link or idea? Email it to Janet at info@itsadisaster.net

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p.s. If you know an agency, nonprofit, school, church, volunteer group (like a CERT, MRC, Radio Club, etc) who could benefit from our preparedness book and/or funding ideas, please have them call 1-888-999-4325 or email us for a FREE information kit!